At the same time the ClubSwan 36 class welcomes the appearance of Alex Kudlich onboard Bracing Breeze, another asset for Germany in the Nations League, and Richard Thompson's Black Seal flying the flag for Guernsey in the Channel Islands.
They will all face stiff competition from their hard-charging classmates, not least Italy's Fra Martina who placed fourth in the season opener in Tuscany.
"We knew from the outset that the competition in the ClubSwan 36 class was going to be both fun and intense, and we saw the reality during last season," said Vanni Pavesio, owner of Fra Martina and Class president.
"We just missed out on a place on the podium during Swan Tuscany Challenge, so we will be looking to go at least one better in Sardinia - in any case I am sure it will be a regatta to remember. For us, Swan Racing is not just about racing, but about sharing an exciting experience of joy and passion among 36 owners!”
Also joining the fray this time around are the redoubtable Swan 45s, with Italy well represented in the shape of Thetis, Ulika 45 and Blue Sky.
"We made the step up to the Swan 45 Class last year and we have never looked back, it is everything we hoped for and expected," said Claudio Terrieri, owner of Blue Sky.
"ClubSwan Racing knows how to put on an event and we can't wait to get going in Villasimius. The fleet is very competitive so we know we will have to be at our best, and that is what we have signed up for.”
Ashore in the Marina di Villasimius and with the patronage of Regione Sardegna and the town of Villasimius, as well as the Marinedi Group, ClubSwan Racing will also deliver its highly anticipated mix of social gatherings and celebratory daily prize-givings.
Among the highlights of the schedule are the opening cocktail party with wine provided by ClubSwan Racing Sparkling Partner Ferrari Trento, the owners’ cocktail and dinner party, during which a charity auction in support of the Marevivo beach clean project in Calasetta will take place, plus the Swan Sardinia Challenge Dinner Party.
The Swan Sardinia Challenge opens for registrations and measurements on Monday 30 May with a practice race scheduled for the following day. Four days of racing begin on Wednesday 1 June, concluding on Saturday 4 June.
Partners of the ClubSwan Racing 2022 One Design circuit are: Rolex, BMW, Randstad, Salvatore Ferragamo, Sease, Ferrari Trento, Banor, M&C Saatchi, North Sails, Quantum Sails, Gottifredi Maffioli, Garmin, B&G, Lavazza, Marevivo. The regatta management will be supported by the electric marks by Mark Set Bot.
